|
Newsletter #422 for January 2, 2026 |
|
|
|
|
 |
To Our WaterOperator.org Readers:
|
|
With another year behind us, we want to express our gratitude for your continued support and engagement. As we step into 2026, we’re excited to build on last year’s progress and bring you even more resources to strengthen water operations nationwide.
In this special edition of the newsletter, we're excited to highlight the most clicked videos from the past year. These videos have sparked your interest the most and feature topics such as: hydrant flushing, corrosion control, water sector careers, combined sewer overflows, infrastructure valve safety, board operator insights, wastewater math, water recycling and more! Whether you're revisiting these videos or discovering them for the first time, we hope they provide valuable insights as you prepare for the year ahead.
Thank you for supporting the work we do. In 2026, we look forward to delivering even more practical resources, innovative solutions, and inspiring stories from the field to help you succeed.
Warm regards,
The WaterOperator.org Team
|
|
|
|
|
Featured Video |
 |
Water treatment plant employees facing charges
KFOR Oklahoma's News 4
"Two wastewater treatment plant employees are facing felony charges after allegations of willfully allowing sewage to leak into Bluff Creek in northwest Oklahoma County." |
|
|
|
|
Featured Video |
 |
The Hidden Benefits of Hydrant Flushing
Rural Community Assistance Partnership - RCAP
"Hydrant flushing is an essential part of every utility’s maintenance program. This short video highlights why hydrant flushing matters and how it benefits both the community and the utility’s infrastructure." |
|
|
|
|
Featured Video |
 |
Corrosion Control Treatment
Rural Community Assistance Partnership - RCAP
"This video offers a detailed overview of corrosion control treatment for water systems with lead service lines. Learn how water utilities modify water chemistry to reduce corrosion, safeguard public health, and meet regulatory standards. We examine the science behind corrosion, the health risks of lead exposure, and various treatment methods—including pH and alkalinity adjustments, orthophosphate addition, and more. Whether you’re a water professional or a concerned community member, this video explains how corrosion control helps keep drinking water safe."
|
|
|
|
|
Featured Video |
 |
MWRD Virtual Tour: Deep Tunnel, Wastewater Treatment, Green Infrastructure, Chicago Water History
Metropolitan Water Reclamation District
"Travel back in time to early Chicago to see how we reversed the Chicago River and developed wastewater treatment technology. Go behind the scenes and under water to see how we transform the water you use every day; descend 300 feet into the deep tunnel system, and watch our electrofishing crew at work sampling fish on the Chicago River. "
|
|
|
|
|
Featured Video |
 |
Beyond The Pipes: Exploring Waste & Water Careers
Southwest EFC
"Explore a day in the life of a large system water operator at the University of New Mexico where we interview Mr. David Thomas, Water Systems Supervisor of UNM, at the Ford Utility Center."
|
|
|
|
|
Register for VirCon 2026 Today! |
|
Over three days (February 3-5, 2026) participants can earn up to 12 continuing education hours applicable to their drinking water operator license renewal. We are seeking approval in all relevant operator certification jurisdictions, with the most current updates listed on the event registration page.
This free, virtual training conference offers drinking water operators a chance to learn more about timely topics, improve fundamental skills, and get support for specific challenges while earning up to 12 hours of CEU credit.
CEU Information
- Currently pre-approved in: Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington
- Currently acceptable in: Alabama, Arizona, California, Idaho, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Carolina, Virginia
Approval in process for all other jurisdictions
|
| Register Now |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Flowing Forward: Confronting the Legacy of Combined Sewer Overflows in the United States
Institute for Sustainability Engagement |
|
|
Inside Infrastructure: How This Tiny Valve Stops Water Disasters
waterloop |
|
|
What Boards Should Know about Their Operator
Rural Community Assistance Partnership - RCAP |
|
|
Wastewater Math Basics: Solving for Area (Circle, Sq/Rect, and Trapezoid)
The Wastewater Enthusiast |
|
|
How Water Recycling Works
Practical Engineering |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Virtual Office Hours: What are the SRFs? Pros and Cons
January 7, 2026 | 11:00 AM EST
Environmental Finance Center Network
Join EFCN and experts from Quantified Ventures for the free Ask Me Anything SRF Office Hours:
Designed to expand your knowledge and enhance your ability to navigate the SRFs. These sessions are tailored for state agencies, utility operators, and stakeholders who support water infrastructure projects. Each session will open with a specific theme, providing clarity, strategies, and practical insights for preparing and managing an SRF-funded project. The remainder of the session will be devoted to ‘Ask Me Anything.' Participants can attend all sessions or select those that best meet their needs. Submit your questions in advance or bring them to the session for real-time support from our experts. |
|
|
|
Retention, Training, and Upskilling
January 7, 2026 | 1:00 PM EST
Water Environment Federation
This free webinar, part of the Workforce Development Case Study Series: Building the Future Water Workforce, will showcase small, medium, and large utilities implementing best practices in recruitment, retention, technology integration, and leadership development. Each webcast will feature real-world case studies and utility leaders sharing actionable insights to help build resilient, inclusive, and future-ready workforces. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Read Blog Posts at WaterOperator.org |
|
|
 |
|
RCAP's Drop of Knowledge: Article Roundup #6
Read Here » |
|
|
 |
|
The Potential of Artificial Intelligence in Wastewater Treatment
Read Here » |
|
 |
|
The Impact of Winter Weather on Water Systems
Read Here » |
|
|
|
|
|
Groundwater & Well Care for Public Water Systems is a free online course from WaterOperator.org. Certificates are provided and the course is currently pre-approved for 2 hours continuing education credit in a number of states.
Click here to learn more. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
WaterOperator.org is a free service, grant-funded to support small community water and wastewater operators with comprehensive resources and information in one easy-to-use place. We also serve the 800+ training, primacy, and technical service organizations, by helping operators get to their information. We aren't selling or advertising anything. Call us at 1-866-522-2681 for assistance. |
|
|
|
|
|
Visit our other websites: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Click here to unsubscribe | Sent to: _t.e.s.t_@example.com
Illinois State Water Survey, 2204 Griffith Drive, Champaign, IL 61820, United States |
|
|
|
|
